"I haven't seen Sean for a couple of years, but my wife and I spoke to him on the phone on his birthday this week and he was very well.

"He was fine, in complete control of his senses and his usual self. I have no idea where they are getting this stuff from. I know Sean was quite ill a year or so ago. But he is much better now and it was never anything to do with his mental state."

Meanwhile, Connery's spokesperson described the reports as "so silly", saying: "I am truly not going to give credence by responding."